The holiday time is here with lots of good cheer, holiday spirits and a few extra pounds.   Here's a summary of our year, in place of the holiday letter you may not have received.

Dear Friends and Family,

We have much to celebrate this holiday season.  But it’s also been a year for good-byes, which leaves us a little sad and more aware of entering a new stage of our lives. These days, Dan and I find life more poignant and our friends and family more precious. 

Thank God for miracles.  As many people know, our son Craig suffered a hangman’s break (broken neck) on March 31, and was spared the death that occurs in 99% of these cases and the paralysis that occurs in the other 1%.  He spent the month of April in the hospital and three months in a halo -- a device of metal rods and bolts screwed into his skull, to stabilize his broken cervical vertebrae and preserve his mobility.  As you might guess, that life-changing event came with unbelievable challenges for Craig, Danielle and their kids, McKinley and Taylor. But they rose to the occasion and showed us what they’re made of….amazing strength, perseverance, compassion and joy!  We can’t say enough about everyone who supported them and us, with babysitting, prayers, meals and endless good deeds.  Thanks to their Village, Craig has worked since May, is now in a small neck brace, and will start the physical therapy on his neck soon. 

 The other members of our amazing family had shining moments throughout the year.  Our oldest grandkid, Dane (18), graduated high school in June and started UC Santa Cruz in the Fall.  It was a great time when the Hoffman side of the family traveled to Santa Cruz for Thanksgiving, to enjoy Dane’s tour of his campus and dorm.  Younger brother Riley (15) is the family pianist, taking lessons twice a week this summer and banging the ivories the rest of the year.  Cousin Westin (15) took to the ring and is our boxing champ.  On the Beck side, Noah (11) and Beau (8) are major jocks in baseball, soccer and surfing, winning championships and keeping their parents busy with a steady roster of games.  McKinley (8) and Taylor (5) played soccer, and McK made all stars.  She is ViVi’s theater buddy, and we went to The Sound of Music at San Diego Junior Theater in November.

Dan and I celebrated our 26^th anniversary with a trip to Europe in October.  We lucked out with a fantastic group of fellow travelers – 10 souls from Australia, Canada, South Africa and the U.S. on the back roads of England; and a mother/daughter duo from the U.S. on the back roads of Ireland.  There were fabulous tour guides, charming inns, breathtaking scenery and tons of history (that we still can’t recall) all along the way.  I also took 11 riding lessons this year with a handsome thoroughbred named Gerry, and continue with UCSD writing courses to polish my Young Adult novel.  Dan is ever busy with bridge and golf adventures – and won his club’s match play tournament in January.  

We said good-bye to my precious aunt, Joey, last December, to our beloved friend, Bari Lynn Cardiff, in November, and to our neighbor Mary Laver and Betsy’s father-in-law, Denny Crimmins, this month.  We feel blessed by their lives, and yours as well.  Keep in touch and come see us soon.  

Lots of Love, Vicki and Dan